We’ve all been there: you crawl into bed at the end of a long day, only to find that your sheets have lost their soft, smooth feel. Instead, they’re rough and bumpy, covered with annoying little fabric pills. It’s not just an aesthetic issue—it’s a comfort issue, too. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent pilling and keep your sheets feeling luxurious for longer. And believe it or not, something as seemingly unrelated as callouses on your feet can contribute to this problem. Let’s dive into how you can stop your sheets from pilling and what callouses have to do with it.

What is Pilling?

Pilling is the formation of small, fuzzy balls of fabric on the surface of your sheets (or any fabric, really). These pills are the result of fibres breaking free from the weave of the material, tangling together, and then collecting into clumps. Pilling is most common in fabrics made of short fibres, such as cotton, polyester, or blends of these materials. While some fabrics are more prone to pilling than others, no sheet is entirely immune.

Why Do Sheets Pill?

Sheets typically pill due to friction—whether from your body moving against the fabric, the agitation of the washing machine, or even just the general wear and tear of daily use. Over time, the fibres in the fabric can break down, creating those pesky pills. Additionally, low-quality fabric, poor weaving techniques, and the type of detergent you use can all contribute to the pilling process.

How to Stop Your Sheets from Pilling

While you can’t completely eliminate pilling, there are several steps you can take to minimize it and keep your sheets feeling new for longer:

1. Choose High-Quality Sheets

Opt for high-quality sheets with a tight weave or long fibres. Sheets made of long-staple cotton, like Beddie cotton, are less likely to pill compared to cheaper cotton options.

2. Wash With Care

Always follow the care instructions on the label. Wash your sheets in cold or warm water, as hot water can cause more friction and increase the likelihood of pilling. Avoid washing them with rough fabrics like towels or denim, which can cause abrasion.

Use a gentle cycle on your washing machine to reduce agitation. You might also want to use a laundry bag to prevent excessive friction.

3. Avoid Fabric Softener

While fabric softeners may make your sheets feel softer initially, they can contribute to pilling over time. The chemicals in fabric softeners can coat the fibers, making them more prone to breaking and forming pills. Instead, try a vinegar rinse to soften your sheets naturally, or use our DIY fabric softener - not only does it save you money, but will not harm your washing machine or our waterways.

4. Dry Sheets Gently

Air drying is the gentlest option for your sheets, but if you must use a dryer, opt for a low heat setting. High heat will weaken fibres and cause pilling. Make sure to remove your sheets as soon as they’re dry to avoid excess tumbling.

5. Use a Fabric Shaver or Pilling Comb

If your sheets are already pilling, a fabric shaver or pilling comb can help remove the pills without damaging the fabric. Gently run the tool over the surface of the sheets to lift away the pills, but be careful not to press too hard, as this can cause more friction and damage the fibres.

Long Toenails, Callouses and Pilling

Now, you might be wondering: what do callouses have to do with pilling sheets? 

The connection lies in friction. Callouses, especially on your feet, are thickened patches of skin that develop in response to constant pressure or rubbing.

These hardened areas are extremely scratchy and rough, and can generate extra friction when they come into contact with your sheets. Over time, this friction can break down the fibres in the fabric, leading to pilling and thinning of the sheet.

This is particularly true if you’re a “side sleeper” or “stomach sleeper” who may have more consistent contact with the sheets due to body pressure and movement. If your feet (or elbows or knees) are rough with callouses, they can exacerbate the wear and tear on your sheets, contributing to pilling.

Long or ragged toenails can also damage your sheets (as well as your socks), so it may be time to take a look and trim them if they are long and scratchy.

How to Minimize the Impact of Callouses on Your Sheets

Moisturize your feet: Regularly moisturizing your feet with a thick lotion or foot cream can help soften callouses and reduce friction.

Use a pumice stone: Gently exfoliating the rough patches of skin on your feet can also help prevent callouses from getting too thick and hard.

Wear socks to bed: If you have particularly rough callouses, try wearing soft socks to bed to reduce direct contact between your feet and the sheets. This can help prevent abrasion and limit the impact on your sheets.

Pilling sheets are one of those annoyances that can be hard to avoid, but with the right care, you can keep them looking and feeling smooth and soft for a lot longer. Choosing high-quality fabric like Beddie, washing with care, and reducing friction (whether from your body or your callouses) can all help prevent the problem. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you’ll not only protect your sheets but also ensure a more comfortable, restful sleep.

If you're noticing pilling more often than you should, it might also be a good time to check in on your skin care routine. After all, a little attention to your callouses might save you from prematurely worn-out sheets!